I had no clue who Elder Lincoln was, so that didn’t help a damn bit, not really wanting to bring in those who were strangers…not to mention an Elemental who was already a decent man.
Sighing, I went back to my reading, making my own notes periodically about Royals on a pad of paper, Royals coming into the room, silently handing their file over, each varying in thickness, which I learned the thickness had no indication on their skills, one of the smallest files the most gruesome and deadly.
Elder Merrick arrived somewhere in the fray, quietly putting his file next to the others when it appeared my tower-of-killing reading was about to tip, although, he stalled at the door, glancing over his shoulder, his lips parted.
But, his mouth slowly shut.
I waved a hand. “Go ahead.”
His lips pinched, and he nodded once, and he stated simply, “You know I’ll do my job.”
My own lips thinned. “Yes, I do know that.”
He left, and I went back to reading in the silence until Queen Ruckler placed her file on the desk, not letting go of it, and she stated brusquely, but on a whisper, “I know another spirit.” Her head tilted to the file. “It’s in there, and I’d appreciate you making sure the information doesn’t get out.” A pause. “To anyone.”
I hid my shock. Barely. “It won’t get out.”
She nodded once, and released the file, leaving.
And so, I read…and read…made notes…took two very interesting phone calls…read some more. Ate my dinner at the conference table, my ass long ago numbed to the chair I sat on. Reviewed my notes. Drank a pop while leaning back to debate my options.
Eventually, I destroyed the files—minus any pictures, more than one Royal had included those—and then started writing letters on my pad of paper, my decision set finally well into the dark of night. After sealing them in envelopes—with any photos they wanted returned, I had a house staff member, a Mage I knew Sin trusted here, spell each one—one for each of the Elders and Rulers and Prodigies who had asked for the position, plus Sin—and sat back on my chair. Waiting, cracking my neck, hoping those who received my heartfelt, grateful, but so-sorry-I-didn’t-pick-you letters weren’t upset. The few that I had chosen, I had asked to meet me in the conference room.
Sin was the first to arrive with Isolde trotting after him, green eyebrows lifting, squeezing my shoulder before sitting next to me. “You’ve chosen?”
“Yep.” I yawned, and I knew I appeared as beat as I was. “It’ll be interesting.”
He appeared extremely entertained. “I’m sure it will be.”
It was late, bedtime late, so more than likely, they had no clue what my answer was, everyone probably having been tucked away in their rooms, hopefully not in bed yet, and it didn’t surprise me when some walked in wearing their pajamas, but still, coming quickly. No one said a word, sitting quietly, eyeing one another calmly, but a bit guardedly, until the last arrived. I stood, and walked to the door, stretching my aching muscles before shutting the door. Instantly, they all went still, their attention swinging about the room…because there wasn’t eight in here, and I knew they thought I was doing a group kiss off, but I yawned and trudged back to my seat, flopping down on it like dead weight before stating, “First, I want to say I appreciate you letting me read into your lives, and I want you all to know my lips are sealed about anything within your files, which have been destroyed.” Again, I cracked my neck. “And, also, look around you, because these will be the individuals you will be working with.” I nodded once at their mute countenances. “I’ve chosen each of you to protect me. You’re my Lajaks.”
Instantly they relaxed, but they did eye one another again, seeing who they would be paired with.
Brann cleared his throat. “Caro, thank you for the opportunity, but…” Black brows scrunched as he glanced at the other occupants.
Yep, the room was two shy.
King Zeller glanced to the door. “Are the others coming?”
Elder Farrar’s lips twitched.
Elder Merrick’s gaze narrowed on the action, navy blue, intelligent eyes swinging to me. “Who are they?”
King Collins’s eyes widened. “Are they…friends…of yours?”
Elder Farrar started chuckling, muttering quietly, “You’ll wish they were.”
I cleared my throat, giving Elder Farrar a pointed glare. “All eight of you will be working together.” Tapping of my fingers. “Peacefully.”
Golden brows cocked. “Just so you know…that other Vampire I spoke of earlier…it’s him.”
I blinked, not knowing that. “My decision stands.” They were who I wanted. Eyes back to those waiting, I stated, “The others joining us will obviously be a Vampire and a Mage, so funneling can be used.” A clearing of my throat. “The Vampire is Elder Bridges.”
King Zeller muttered a curse under his breath, running his hands through his spiked hair, no one appearing too thrilled, except for Sin who glanced at me covertly, his eyes sparkling with mirth, eyebrows cocked, not knowing who I spoke of, just gauging everyone’s reactions.
Elder Farrar muttered, “Wait…it gets worse.”
“Worse than that arrogant prick?” King Collins asked in irritated disbelief.
I held up a hand, bringing the attention back to me. “And the Mage is Elder Samson.”
All stared. Some jaws were even gaping a bit.
I waved a hand, sitting back on my chair. “As I stated, my decision stands. They’ll be here in the morning.”
“Ms. Jules…” King Zeller murmured quietly into the strained silence, wearing a patient expression. “I know you met them briefly in the past, but while Elder Bridges may,” nose crinkling, “be a wise choice power wise,” he stared pointedly, “Elder Samson,”
I held up a hand. “He’s a prejudice asshole, his mind filled with ancient codes of conduct.” They stared, and my brows lifted. “And all of that aside, he’s managed to work with his group for a very long time, making allowances, and thinking rationally, when he may do so otherwise. He’s intelligent, dedicated, quick to protect, and he wants the job.”
“And…” Elder Merrick drawled slowly, black brows rising. “He’s a respected Elder in the Mage community, and if you can get him on your side, open his eyes…”
I shrugged a shoulder. “All the better for votes.” My brows rose, daring anyone to argue.
“Christ.” King Collin’s rubbed a hand over his face, appearing stressed. “Nicely done.”
My eyes moved to Elder Farrar. “I’d love to know how Elder Bridges and Elder Samson came to know of this opportunity in the first place.”
Elder Farrar shrugged a shoulder. “It wasn’t me. Elder Samson is a Mage. He may have seen it.”
My brows slammed together. “They both received anonymous spelled letters with my phone number in the message.”